So this is Councilor Drake.
He’s bigger than I expected. Especially considering he’s a desk jockey. The male is tall with broad shoulders and a whole lot of muscle, even for a shifter. He’s also very good-looking,with long, silky hair most women would kill for. He could earn extra money from doing hair product commercials. It falls past his shoulders and is dark with copper highlights.
He looks a little too straight and narrow for my liking, though. Too put together. Too polished.
I glance at Grim, who is scowling hard. His whole body is bristling with tension. His eyes are darker than ever, fixed on Drake with an intensity that would make me nervous if I didn’t know him. His hair is loose, wild about his shoulders. It’s messy, like the man.
Since when were bad boys my type?
Drake steps forward, and from the look in his eyes, it’s clear that he’s sizing up the situation.
“You must be Wren,” he says, his voice warm despite the circumstances.
“I am.” I manage a small smile, even though my nerves are shot. “It’s nice to meet you, Councilor Drake.”
“Drake is fine.” He glances at Grim. “How are you holding up?”
Grim grunts. “I’ve been better.”
Drake’s eyes shift back to me. “Tell me exactly what happened after the security forces raided,” Drake says, his expression turning serious. “The picture being painted is not very pretty, and I need to know the truth.”
Grim’s jaw clenches. “They came through the windows. All at once. Human males in combat gear carrying automatic weapons.” His voice is clipped. “They started shooting immediately. Didn’t ask questions. Didn’t announce themselves. Just started killing everyone.”
Drake’s expression darkens. “Humans? You’re certain?”
“Yes.” Grim nods once. “They didn’t move like shifters. Didn’t have our build or strength. They were human. I’m sure of it and armed to the teeth.”
Drake rubs the back of his neck. “That doesn’t make sense. There’s been no mention of humans in any of the reports. No mention of guns being used either.” He shakes his head. “Troops only recently arrived from the Mainland to help with the manhunt.”
Manhunt.
Crap!
Of course there’s a manhunt. They think Grim is a murderer. A rogue dragon who went into kill mode.
“What lies are they telling about me?” Grim demands, his voice low and dangerous. “What bullshit are they spouting?” he snorts. “Although I can guess well enough.”
Drake’s expression grows grim. “Your worst guess would be correct. They’re saying you shifted and went on a killing spree, first in the parking lot and then in the Vaccination Center. They’re saying that you lost control of your dragon and that you went after everyone in the clinic.”
“That’s not true!” The words explode out of me before I can stop them. Heat floods my face, anger replacing the fear. “They were all shot. Not killed by a dragon. All anyone would have to do is look at the bodies, and it would be clear to see what really happened.”
Drake holds up a hand. “I believe you, Wren. But the key evidence is being buried. Including any mention of anti-vaxxers. Their bodies, as well. Any evidence supporting their fabricated story is being spread far and wide.”
“What evidence?” Grim growls.
“The parking lot was ravaged by your dragon,” Drake says, his voice matter-of-fact. “There is video footage of you. A male was incinerated. The roof was taken right off the Vaccination Center. A helicopter was taken down, killing one person and injuring three others.” He pauses. “There’s footage of all of this, which is being shown on repeat by the media.”
“They were going to kill us,” I say, my voice shaking with fury. “Grim didn’t have a choice. He shifted to protect me. To get me out of there.”
Drake’s eyes shift to me, then to Grim. “Your dragon was protecting Wren? Is that right?” When Grim doesn’t answer, Drake sighs. “I believe you both. I do. But the media are going to town with this. They’re saying that you were taken against your will. You’re believed to be dead, Wren.”
“I’m not dead.” I gesture at myself.
“Very clever,” Grim says, his eyes narrowed in anger. “That way, they can kill both of us and tell everyone that I killed you, Wren. Then come out like sweet-smelling roses for bringing me down in cold blood.”
“They’re bastards,” I say through gritted teeth. “Grim has done nothing wrong,” I tell Drake.
“I wouldn’t say nothing,” Drake says carefully. “You shouldn’t have shifted in the first place, Grim. They wouldn’t have anything on you if you hadn’t.”
